Weekly State Crop Report for April 22

Heavy storms and showers covered most of the state last week, dropping 5.82 inches of rain statewide with some regions receiving close to 8 inches. Total statewide precipitation was 3.15 inches above normal. There were many reports across the state of flooding along rivers and streams along with standing water in many fields.

Statewide temperatures averaged 48.7 degrees, 1.8 degrees below normal.

The heavy rains along with the below average temperatures resulted in only 0.3 days suitable for fieldwork last week and very little progress in spring fieldwork.

Topsoil moisture increased dramatically last week and was rated at 35 percent adequate and 65 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated at 5 percent short, 68 percent adequate,
and 27 percent surplus.

Cold soil temperatures also continue to be another factor delaying corn planting. The main farm activities for the week included planter and equipment preparation along with tending livestock.

Corn planting stayed at 1 percent planted compared to the five-year average of 24 percent. Oat planting was at 27 percent, well behind the five-year average of 70 percent.

Winter wheat conditions were rated at 3 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 63 percent good, and 13 percent excellent.

Pasture conditions were rated at 2 percent very poor, 10 percent poor, 32 percent fair, 42 percent good, and 14 percent excellent.